Headlining the changes for 2015 is the fact that the outgoing, 5.4-litre V8 engine has been dropped in favour of Ford’s popular 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Shared with the Navigator and the Ford F-150, Ford hasn’t spilled the beans on the engine’s peak output, but the F-150 pumps out 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, the Expedition also comes with an independent rear suspension and three selectable drive modes — Normal, Sport and Comfort.

Speaking of three rows of seating, the Expedition can seat up to eight passengers and is offered in two wheelbase flavours. The standard model measures 119 inches and can swallow more than 3,000 litres, or 108.3 cubic feet, of cargo. Move up to the Expedition MAX and wheelbase is bumped up to 131 inches, boosting cargo space to 3,700 litres, or 130.8 cubic feet.

Ford says the seats in the 2015 Expedition Platinum are “buttery” soft and smooth.

Inside, the Expedition benefits from upgraded materials, including a range-topping Platinum trim that introduces, in Ford’s words, “buttery” soft and smooth leather seating available in two colours — Brunello red with accents inspired by tuxedo stripes, or black leather with grey accents.

Ford doesn’t use any delectable food-inspired metaphors to describe the Expedition’s technology, but rest assured, that aspect has been updated as well. The Expedition now comes with a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and a back-up camera (it’s helpful on a car with a 131-inch wheelbase), SYNC and MyFord Touch, push-button start with smart key access, ambient LED interior lighting, 10-speaker sound system and Ford’s suite of truck apps aimed at simplifying towing and off-road driving.